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Monday, May 26, 2008

Louisville Impressions – Part 16, the last part


It’s been a great experience to work and live in Louisville, KY.

I am very grateful to my employer for giving me the position and for understanding that it is just not the right fit for me.

I am grateful to the Brown Hotel, Louisville Relocation, and The Crescent Center for wonderful places on which to lay my head at night.

I am thankful for all of the wonderful area restaurants, most especially Safier Mediterranean Deli on 4th Street (and to the staff at the Brown for recommending it my first night in town.) The vegetarian choices are many and the tastes are wonderful. I will miss this eating establishment very much indeed. Bistro 301 should not be missed either – wonderful portabella sandwich and so much more.

I’m not much for bars, but the one in the crossover at the Galt House on 4th should not be missed. With a great view of the Ohio River, the fish tank bar (yes complete with all kinds of fish), and the bird aviary (with finches and more) you will be delighted.

I am indeed thankful for the Kentucky Backroads store on 3rd Street – I found a much needed sweater there and they turned me on to the best bourbon truffles; I will miss those as well.

The mayor is doing many wonderful things with the city and for all who live and work there all the time I hope this continues. I am thankful to have been able to see how it is in 2008 – maybe I will return in a few years to see what’s changed.

Thank you to all in Louisville who have helped me out in any way – my co-workers, the staff at the Visitor Information Center on 4th Street, friendly neighbors, people who smile and say “hello” whether they know you or not.

I’m most thankful to have had the entire experience, but happy to be heading home. Louisville, I wish you well.

Peace to all, Judi

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Louisville Impressions – Part 15

As of this writing, Hilary Clinton is the projected winner here in Kentucky. 79% of the votes have been tallied, she is ahead 68% to Obama’s 32%.

I heard earlier that Mrs. Clinton was going to be only a block or two away from where I am residing. I’m not going out celebrity hunting, but it’s cool to think she is so close by. Mr. Obama was in the city very recently as well. And on Sunday last, Ron Paul was at the Palace Theater which is just across the street from where I’ve been working!

Heading home to MA for the weekend; can’t wait for Erin’s graduation and to see the rest of the family and my friends. Next update will most likely be next week, after Memorial Day.

Peace to all, Judi

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Louisville Impressions – Part 14




It was a beautiful weekend, weatherwise. I spent most of Saturday outdoors, both taking photos and stopping to read (The Power Of Now) on the numerous benches in parks around the city. It was a good photo shoot (sadly only have the P&S camera here now) and the walking / reading was very relaxing.

I still cannot get over how much of the city here has empty storefronts and crumbling buildings. It does seem that some areas are being worked on, but it’s going to take a very long time, IMHO, to bring the city back to life.

The news yesterday reported that GE is going to close their appliance factory here; this is the third large employer in the area – the others being Ford and Colgate (just across the Ohio River in Indiana) – to announce closing their doors. No matter how good the meteorological weather is, there is a major cloud over the financial future of the city and it surrounds.

I can see that there are lots of arts related projects in the works, but sadly this type of business will not replace as many jobs as the above mentioned manufacturing facilities will be eliminating. The hostess in a local restaurant is planning to move back to the northeast with her husband where currently jobs are more plentiful; she sited these same factory closings as a major reason why.

Next weekend I’ll be heading back to Boston to attend my niece’s college graduation from U Mass, Amherst – go Erin! I’m looking forward to seeing her launched into the next phase of her life. More on that next time.

Until then, peace to all, Judi

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Louisville Impressions – Part 13




Last week I was in Tampa, FL, for work. It was hot and steamy. While there I had a chance to snap a few pics of birds and flowers in the marshy area behind the hotel. Now I’m back here in the cool, rainy, windy spring of Kentucky.

When I came here I thought it would be warmer than the Boston area where I’m originally from. Wow, was I wrong about that. It seems like bad weather settles in here frequently, I guess because of the city’s location next to the Ohio River.

It’s late and I’m tired so that’s it for tonight. Please come back again soon.

Peace to all, Judi

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Louisville Impressions - Part 12




Last night there was a spectacular sunset. This came on the heels of an afternoon of downpours and the running of the Oaks on a very muddy track.

During the night it poured again, around 4:30 AM. Fortunately it stopped before sunrise.
Today was Derby Day. The city was like a ghost town. Almost everything was closed after 2:00 PM. Did find one coffee shop open on Market St., stopped in for an iced tea.

I was home in time to watch the Derby from the time the jockeys mounted through the end of the race. My pick, Denis of Cork, came in third – not bad at all. The winner was Big Brown, one of the favorites. I guess it is rare for a horse that starts in the 20th gate to win, but this is exactly what happened. His trainer or owner, in fact, picked that gate on purpose so he wouldn’t be tangled up in the mess on the inside of the track.

The very sad news was that the second place horse, the only filly – Eight Belles – fell just after the end of the race. They determined she had 2 broken ankles, so had to put her down. This was just the most shocking news. It’s just such accidents as this that make me think about whether we should allow racing of any animals for our entertainment; I’m not sure this is what the universe intended.

Bob Neumeyer(sp), a.k.a. Neumy, was interviewing jockeys and owners after the race – seemed strange to see this Boston sports guy here on TV in Louisville. Wasn’t he on WBZ? You Bostonians please feel free to comment.

So the city will be back to normal tomorrow, now that all the Derby Festival events are over.

Peace to all, Judi

Louisville Impressions Part 11 (April 27, 2008)

Can't believe I never posted this last week, better late than never.

Louisville Impressions Part 11 (April 27, 2008)

Sunday – another nice day weather-wise, although much cooler than it was Friday. The morning flew by working in Photoshop trying to figure out why a generated web gallery wouldn’t allow me to enter in the title and was taking the default of the last gallery I generated. May have to borrow daughter number one’s PS text book next time I am home – never did figure it out. Gave up and instead updated it in Dreamweaver.

Spoke with EV on the phone and got caught up on what’s new with her, then went out walking. Last time I saw this “horse and jockey” they were not so decorated, guess they are ready for next week’s derby already.




Had lunch at this Mexican restaurant, reminded me a lot of José’s in Cambridge.



Finally, visited Frazer International History Museum. I never expected 3 floors of exhibits almost all about war and arms and armour (British spelling) – very distressing. There was an interesting film about how chain mail was probably made showing the technique someone is using now to duplicate it; I guess this appealed to the crafter in me. Here’s an example of some from ancient times.

The other crafty item in this medieval section was this sunflower made from the points of out of service swords – recycling at it’s decorative best.

Equally upsetting as all the weapons was the exhibit about the wreckage of the Henrietta Marie that sunk in the Caribbean during it’s second return voyage in 1700. When it was explored 250 years later, shackles were found and it was finally determined that it had been a slave ship. Some of these shackles were child-size! How could people have done this to each other? Unless something new and wonderful is being exhibited there I won’t be returning anytime soon.

By the time I headed back to the apartment it was getting windy and cooler. Found this along the way. Reminds me of the sign in Maine that points to Norway, Paris, etc.

Sure hope the warm weather will return again soon.
Peace to all, Judi